as in bribe
something given or promised in order to improperly influence a person's conduct or decision
the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm
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Recent Examples of backhander
Minnesota managed just one shot on the man-advantage – a dangerous Vladimir Tarasenko backhander that Colorado goalie Scott Wedgewood turned aside.
—
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Keller retrieved the pass to herself, and one-timed a backhander underneath Canadian keeper Ann-Renée Desbiens.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
His mining deals in Congo, NGOs alleged, relied on schemes like kickbacks and backhanders.
—Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
Gregor tied it later in the first on a backhander over Blackwood’s shoulder at 7:21, but Nelson’s fourth goal in the last six games at 18:30 of the first period gave Colorado a 2-1 lead heading into the intermission.
—Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backhander
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Keller retrieved the pass to herself, and one-timed a backhander underneath Canadian keeper Ann-Renée Desbiens.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
His mining deals in Congo, NGOs alleged, relied on schemes like kickbacks and backhanders.
—Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
Gregor tied it later in the first on a backhander over Blackwood’s shoulder at 7:21, but Nelson’s fourth goal in the last six games at 18:30 of the first period gave Colorado a 2-1 lead heading into the intermission.
—Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for backhander
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backhander
bribe
Noun
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Netanyahu is charged with breach of trust, fraud and accepting bribes in three separate cases accusing him of exchanging favors with wealthy associates.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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The casual acknowledgement of brushing off offers of bribes alarmed some Republican activists, who will endorse a candidate for governor at their state convention on May 16.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backhander. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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